Doha, Qatar: Aspetar, the sports medicine and orthopaedic hospital, is gearing up to host a medical conference next month.
Titled “Wide-Awake and Minimally Invasive Hand and Wrist Surgery Conference: An Arthroscopic, Endoscopic and Ultrasound-Guided Skills Lab,” the event is scheduled to take place from October 26 to 28.
The conference aims to shed light on the innovative approach of wide-awake hand surgery, a procedure that involves the use of lidocaine-epinephrine infiltration for anaesthesia.
This technique eliminates the need for an upper arm tourniquet, which traditionally creates a bloodless field but also brings about pain due to ischemia and necessitates general anaesthesia.
Aspetar explained on its website that this procedure is particularly relevant in their community of athletes where swift, minimally invasive techniques are in high demand, ensuring fast recoveries and prompt returns to play. “Aspetar holds a unique knowledge in the Middle East region with regard to the treatment of athletes as well as the use of wide-awake and minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of common hand and wrist pathologies.”
A scientific committee has been formed to develop a comprehensive course that caters not only to surgeons and sports medicine physicians but also physiotherapists, nurses, and pharmacists closely involved with hand surgery.
This initiative seeks to expand the understanding and application of these techniques in the Middle East and beyond, ensuring the best possible care for athletes and patients.
The conference will encompass 12 sessions, each tackling different aspects of wide-awake and minimally invasive hand and wrist surgery.
The first session of the conference will discuss the introduction to Wide-awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet (Walant); Session 2, Walant for hand trauma; Session 3, Walant for elective surgery; Session 4, The science of Walant; Session 5, Walant finger surgery; Session 6, Walant Wrist Surgery; Session 7, Nerve Compressions; Session 8, Surgical Skills Lab; Session 9, Introduction to ultrasound; Session 10, Ultrasound Anatomy; Session 11, Ultrasound Surgery; and Session 12, Surgical Skills Lab.
Those interested in participating can opt for either online or in-person attendance.
Registration fee for online participation is at QR750, while for in-person participation, QR1,000. Additionally, there’s an option for a Cadaver Workshop at QR1,000. The registration process can be completed through the official Aspetar website.
Upon successful completion of the conference, participants will be well-versed in the use of wide-awake and minimally invasive techniques for treating common hand and wrist ailments.
They will have the ability to employ evidence-based practices in diagnosing and treating these conditions, utilising techniques such as ultrasound for diagnostics and injections.
Furthermore, participants will understand the significance of endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures, ensuring safety, efficiency, and positive outcomes in surgical and therapeutic interventions.
The conference is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Category 1), recognised by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Healthcare Professions – Accreditation Section. Attendees can earn up to 18 hours of credit for their participation.
